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Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Hygiene

According to the research conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In addition, more than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient.

The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam. It can also be effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. At Presser Dental Group, we perform an oral cancer screening every time our clients in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania come to our office for a professional cleaning and dental checkup.

Oral cancer is a pathologic process that begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by our dentists and hygienists critically important.

Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types, such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

Lips

Mouth

Tongue

Salivary Glands

Oropharyngeal Region (Throat)

Gums

Face

Reasons for Oral Cancer Examinations

It is important to note that around 75% of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors, such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. We can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.

When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth, or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible.

During the oral cancer exam, Dr. Presser and one of our dental hygienists will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.

The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:

Red Patches and Sores

Red patches on the floor of the mouth, front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches that fail to heal, and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes.

Leukoplakia

This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.

Lumps

Soreness, lumps, or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.

Oral Cancer Exams, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, Dr. Presser will look for abnormality and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps.

Lasers that can highlight pathologic changes are also a wonderful tool for oral cancer checks. The laser can “look” below the surface for abnormal signs and lesions which would be invisible to the naked eye.

If abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia, or lumps are apparent, we will implement a diagnostic impression and treatment plan. In the event that the initial treatment plan is ineffective, a biopsy of the area will be performed. The biopsy includes a clinical evaluation which will identify the precise stage and grade of the oral lesion.

Oral cancer is deemed present when the basement membrane of the epithelium has been broken. Malignant types of cancer can readily spread to other places in the oral and maxillofacial regions, which pose additional secondary threats. Treatment methods vary according to the precise diagnosis, but may include excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

During bi-annual checkups, Dr. Presser and our hygienist will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth. However, a dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.

If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please Dr. Presser or anyone of our dental hygienists. You could also request for a copy of our pamphlet "What You Should Know About Oral Cancer” by sending us an email, giving us a call, or just dropping by our clinic.